A Researcher Creates a Series of Synthetic Speech Sounds Gradually

question 14

Multiple Choice

A researcher creates a series of synthetic speech sounds gradually ranging, in uniformly small steps, from a "ta" sound at one extreme to a "da" sound at the other extreme. Participants are asked to identify each of these sounds. The researcher should expect to find that

• A) as the sounds gradually shift from "ta" to "da," participants' pattern of responding gradually shifts from "ta" to "da."
• B) participants identify sounds close to "ta" as "ta" and identify sounds close to "da" as "da," but they are unable to identify the sounds midway between the two.
• C) participants' identification of the sounds midway between a standard "ta" and a standard "da" are heavily influenced by the identity of the sound they heard just previously.
• D) participants' perceptions of the sounds show an abrupt transition, with all of the sounds closer to "ta" clearly identified as "ta" and all of the sounds closer to "da" clearly identified as "da."

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Definitions:

Macromolecules

Large molecules necessary for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Synthesize

To produce a substance by the combination of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of complex compounds.

Control Group

In experiments, a group of subjects that does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment.

Experimental Group

The group in an experimental setup that is exposed to the variable or condition being tested, as opposed to the control group.